Can't seem to reinstall Mac OS

[oppergoeroe]

I have a MacBook Pro (2013) which acted up a bit, it became very slow and was not responding all the time. So I wanted to reinstall Mac OS, I had El Capitan installed.

I did the Command + Option + R on boot and after various tries it always failed, mostly due to the inability to unlock the disk (which is FileVault protected).

Then I decided to simply format the disk:
* Disk Utility
* Select my SSD
* Create one partition (GUID)
* Format according to Mac OS Extended Journaled

Unfortunately, this gives me the error:
"Partition failed with the error:

Wiping volume data to prevent future accidental probing failed"

The disk under the SSD "disk0s1" now named doesn't seem to be able to do anything, it is just grey and cannot be mounted. Obviously, there is nothing to select for me when I try to reinstall the OS, no disk listed to install the OS on. This is what I'm now trying to get fixed so that I can actually install something..

What can I do to get my disk properly formatted to be able to select it for a reinstall?

 

[richard2]

I think the disc is probably faulty; however, as a last resort, you could try erasing its partition table:

Warning: The following procedure will erase the entire contents of your internal disc.

1. Start OS X in recovery mode.
2. Choose Utilities → Terminal from the menubar.
3. Enter the following:
   
   gpt -v destroy /dev/disk0

 

[oppergoeroe]

I think the disc is probably faulty; however, as a last resort, you could try erasing its partition table:

Warning: The following procedure will erase the entire contents of your internal disc.

1. Start OS X in recovery mode.
2. Choose Utilities → Terminal from the menubar.
3. Enter the following:
   
   gpt -v destroy /dev/disk0

Thanks!

Internal disk just means my SSD right, not the recovery disk?

When I do this, what do I need to do next, try to format/partition it again?

 

[richard2]

Thanks!

Internal disk just means my SSD right, not the recovery disk?

No — the command will erase the entire contents of the disc, including the recovery partition! After you've erased the partition table, you should still be able to start recovery mode via the Internet. If you're unable to do so, then you'll have to create an OS X installation disc using another computer.

When I do this, what do I need to do next, try to format/partition it again?

You should attempt to create a new partition on the disc.

 

[Shirasaki]

I suggest you find another Mac and create an install media before proceeding install.
Or you can go to Internet recovery and install the Mac OS X shipped with your Mac when purchasing it.

 

[oppergoeroe]

I suggest you find another Mac and create an install media before proceeding install.
Or you can go to Internet recovery and install the Mac OS X shipped with your Mac when purchasing it.

Doesn't work, I can't select a disk to install it on. No disk appears.
[doublepost=1460573676][/doublepost]

No — the command will erase the entire contents of the disc, including the recovery partition! After you've erased the partition table, you should still be able to start recovery mode via the Internet. If you're unable to do so, then you'll have to create an OS X installation disc using another computer.



You should attempt to create a new partition on the disc.

Thanks Richard.
Unfortunately this command doesn't work:

MBR not found at sector 0
error: device doesn't contain a GPT

 

[richard2]

Thanks Richard.
Unfortunately this command doesn't work:

MBR not found at sector 0
error: device doesn't contain a GPT

In that case, enter the following command:

gpt create /dev/disk0

 

[oppergoeroe]

In that case, enter the following in Terminal:

gpt create /dev/disk0

That command works. Then what is the best thing to do next? Destroy?

 

[richard2]

No — you should now be able to create a new partition in Disk Utility.

 

[oppergoeroe]

No — you should now be able to create a new partition in Disk Utility.

Yes I could, but then same error appeared as in the opening post.

 

[DeltaMac]

Your next step will be replacing the SSD.

 

[richard2]

Your next step will be replacing the SSD.

According to posts in various other forums, this issue can also be caused by a faulty SATA cable.

 

[Weaselboy]

Yes I could, but then same error appeared as in the opening post.

I'm thinking you have a failed drive or a bad drive cable. Do you have an external USB enclosure you can pop the SSD in to see if you can format it from there? That would eliminate the cable as the issue.

 

[DeltaMac]

OP has a 2013 MBPro.
2013 and later MBPro don't have SATA cables. All use a card socket on the logic board.
So, failed SSD is likely here.
If not, it's the logic board.

 

[Weaselboy]

OP has a 2013 MBPro.
2013 and later MBPro don't have SATA cables. All use a card socket on the logic board.
So, failed SSD is likely here.
If not, it's the logic board.

I'm not sure what model you are talking about, but OP has a Samsung EVO 840 SSD (SATA) in there and I am not aware of any socketed connection on a MacBook that would fit in?

 

[oppergoeroe]

I'm not sure what model you are talking about, but OP has a Samsung EVO 840 SSD (SATA) in there and I am not aware of any socketed connection on a MacBook that would fit in?

Sorry, it's a 2012 MacBook, not 2013, mixup there.

I will order a new SSD today and see if that will solve the problem. Thank you all very much for your responses!

 

[DeltaMac]

Ah - ya beat some sense into me now...

Sorry, it's a 2012 MacBook, not 2013, mixup there.

I will order a new SSD today and see if that will solve the problem. Thank you all very much for your responses!

As has been (correctly) suggested, you should also be sure to try a replacement SATA cable

 

[oppergoeroe]

Ah - ya beat some sense into me now...


As has been (correctly) suggested, you should also be sure to try a replacement SATA cable

Think I still have one laying around, will try, thanks!

 

[oppergoeroe]

Just wanted to let you know here that I have ordered a new SATA cable via Ebay and suddenly I could format my drive without any problem and have just finished reinstalling Mac OS. Everything fine again.

Thank you all so much for your help!